AIBA Qualifying Tournament Announced for Olympics

AIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament for professional boxers to take place has been announced. The tournament will take place in Vargas, Venezuela on the 3rd of July to the 8th of July. The tournament will include Professionals outside of AIBA, WSB fighters and APB fighters. For professionals to participate they must be put forward by their national governing body/association if a fighter wishes to participate.

Already the British Boxing Board of Control had stated they will not support any licenced fighter with the board to participate. The Amateur Boxing Association has also stated that they will be sending only AIBA fighters to the qualification tournament in Baku , Azerbaijan in June.

However two fighters have already expressed an interest in competing at the games with Amir Khan of whom wants to represent Pakistan . Secondly Manny Pacquiao has hinted at possible participation.

The British boxing scene is widely condemning the move from AIBA. In an interview with the Guardian newspaper Frank Warren has stated his belief that AIBA has made a political move. “Word is that they want to administrate professional boxing,” he said. “If that’s what they want to do, fine; but just come out and form an organisation to do that. Don’t mix the two and take away years and years of tradition”.

If you look at AIBA’s actions over the last few years Frank does have a valid argument for his views considering the formation of WSB and APB by AIBA . Both formats are classed as Non Amateur contests by the organisation could we have a fifth major organisation ? Very Possible.